New police academy graduates join Oakland Police Department

Proud family members filled the Scottish Rite Center on Friday morning to cheer for 36 new graduates joining the Oakland Police Department. This marks the 167th academy to graduate with OPD.

“That’s my son!” and “That’s my daughter!” shouted family members as Police Chief Sean Whent pinned badges to each graduate’s chest. The 36 graduating officers started their training 26 weeks ago and increase the number of officers in OPD to 647. The class started out with over 50 recruits.

Valedictorian graduate Mario Fajardo announced that the class included former soldiers, recent college graduates, plumbers, and even bar tenders and was diverse in both race and age, just like the city of Oakland. Several officers were also continuing the policing traditions in their own families and had their badges pinned by their fathers, wives, sisters, brothers and uncles.

Mayor Jean Quan addressed the new graduates, saying that Oakland residents made three requests of the new officers. She said residents wanted officers to smile more, to stop and say hello, and treat their families just like they treat their own.

The 168th academy will start training on Sept. 31 and are expected to graduate early December.

Read the rest of the story by Jason Paladino and Yolanda Martinez at Oakland North http://bit.ly/19wQW8H.